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PFAM’s Izham Ismail calls for increased investment in Malaysian women’s football | Scoop
Yesterday’s Women’s Football Forum, held in conjunction with Women’s Football Week, saw the participation of industry leaders and stakeholders to celebrate the contributions of women in the sport, as well as where it can go in the future. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, December 5, 2023
Sports

PFAM’s Izham Ismail calls for increased investment in Malaysian women’s football

Despite strides made in recent years, stigmas still pervade the sport and will require cooperation of stakeholders to rise above

Main Author Image
Julie Jalaluddin
Updated
9:00 AM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – In a push to unlock the untapped commercial potential of Malaysian women’s football, corporate bodies are urged to invest more in the burgeoning sport.

Reflecting on the strides made over the past decade, Professional Football Association of Malaysia (PFAM) chief executive Izham Ismail highlighted the positive trajectory of women’s football in the country. 

Support for women’s football in the country is still lacking in terms of sustainability, despite the immense potential the sport holds.

“Discussions (over the past decade) have been towards developing a more progressive football industry for women footballers. Before this, we did not expect them to be able to thrive in the industry like today. 

“But we expect more investment in women’s football in Malaysia, we expect corporate bodies and the public to contribute to developing women’s football because they are an asset to the industry, not a cost.

“The potential of women’s football is huge and we must not be too late to take action to uplift its standard as an industry and profession. 

“Give them the chance to thrive or we will miss out on the potential they could bring to the country,” he said.

Professional Football Association of Malaysia (PFAM) chief executive Izham Ismail believes the potential of women’s football is huge and that it should be uplifted as an industry and a profession. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, December 5, 2023

Izham was met at the Women’s Football Forum yesterday, which was held in conjunction with the Women’s Football Week, which serves as an avenue to celebrate the contributions of women in the sport.

He added that to further uplift the standard of women’s football in the country, various stakeholders would need to take part in changing the stigma surrounding the sport.

Issues surrounding discrimination and harassment towards women’s football have also been prevalent, particularly on social media platforms.

As such, he hopes the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Malaysian Football League (MFL), and Football Coaches Association of Malaysia (FCAM) work together with PFAM in dignifying women’s football at a higher level.

“There is indeed discrimination and abusive words thrown at our female players on the field and online. It is our job to try to prevent this from spreading.

“The issues that women footballer players always face are very different from men’s. 

“Because of that, our way of solving a problem needs to be appropriate to the situation and the professional career of women footballers.

“It’s the perception and culture in our country that may not see women’s football as a profession. That’s why we need to change this mentality,” he added. – December 5, 2023

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